ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF THE UNITED STATES, Held at the City of Baltimore, October, 1837. MONDAY, October 2d, 9 o'clock, A. M. The R. W. Grand Lodge convened this day, at Odd Fellows' Hall, city of Baltimore, being the regular Annual Communication, when the following were present: THOMAS WILDEY, AUGUSTUS MATHIOT, JOHN E. CHAMBERLAIN, The Grand Secretary presented the of the several Grand Lodges, viz: P. G. M. JAMES L. RIDGELY, M. W. G. Sire, p. t. R. W. G. Treasurer. W. G. Guardian. certificates of the Representatives Rep. of Maryland. P. G. M. HENRY S. SANDERSON, Proxy Rep. of Kentucky. P. G. WILLIAM S. SMITH, Rep. of Virginia. It appearing that a constitutional quorum was present, the D. Grand Sire was directed to examine the Representatives. The D. Grand Sire reported, that the Representatives were duly qualified; and then by order of the Grand Sire, proclaimed the Grand Lodge duly opened for transaction of business. After an address to the Throne of Grace, by the Grand Chaplain, the Grand Sire appointed Rep's Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, and Ridgely, of Maryland, a committee to examine the credentials. Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, from the committee to whom was referred the credentials, presented the following report, which was accepted, and the Representatives acknowledged. To the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States: The committee appointed to examine the credentials of the Representatives from the several Grand Lodges, have had the same under consideration, and respectfully report: That the credentials from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Louisiana, New Jersey, Kentucky and Virginia, are found to be correct. HOWELL HOPKINS, Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland, moved that the Grand Lodge proceed to the election of a Grand Sire, pro tem., which was concurred in. P. G. Sire Wildey was nominated by Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland. The Chair appointed Rep's Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, and Glazier, of Delaware, as the tellers; who, after counting the ballots, reported that P. G. Sire THOMAS WILDEY, received the unanimous vote of the Grand Lodge. Rep. Sanderson, of Kentucky, presented a certificate and other documents from sundry lodges in the state of New York, and moved their reference to the committee heretofore appointed on the State of the Order in New York, which motion prevailed. The Grand Secretary proceeded to read the proceedings of the Adjourned Session in May last, when Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland moved to dispense with reading the same, until Wednesday afternoon, at three o'clock, which was decided in the affirmative. Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, offered the following resolution, which was read and laid on the table. Resolved, That the 4th rule of Order be rescinded, and that for the future, the minutes of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge shall be read and approved before the close of the Session of the Grand Lodge. Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, offered the following preamble and resolution, which was adopted. Whereas, Rep. Gettys, of District of Columbia, one of the committee appointed at the May Session of this Grand Lodge, had been prevented from attending the meeting ordered to be held at Poughkeepsie, the committee had called to their aid, Rep. Glazier, of Delaware, who proceeded with them to the town of Poughkeepsie; Therefore, Resolved, That the act of the committee be approved, and Rep. Glazier, of Delaware, be considered a member of the committee. The Chair announced the following, as the Standing Committees for the present Communication: On Finance-Rep's Hopkins, of Pennsylvania; Ridgely, of Maryland; and Boswell, of New Jersey. On Petitions-Rep's Sanderson, of Kentucky; Glazier, of Delaware; and Smith, of Virginia. On Reports-Rep's Hopkins, of Pennsylvania; Smith, of Virginia ; and Barnes of Louisiana. On Correspondence-Rep's Ridgely, of Maryland; Hopkins, of Pennsylvania; and Sanderson of Kentucky. On motion, the Grand Lodge adjourned until four o'clock, this afternoon. MONDAY, 4 o'clock, P. M. The Grand Lodge met pursuant to adjournment: Present, the Officers and a constitutional quorum of Representatives. The Grand Lodge was regularly opened for the transaction of business Rep. Boswell, of New Jersey, asked leave of absence until to-morrow afternoon, which was, on motion, granted. Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, moved that the Grand Lodge now proceed to the installation of Grand Officers, which, after consultation, was postponed until to-morrow morning, at ten o'clock. Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland, from the committee on the Work of the Order, stated, that they would be prepared to report to-morrow morning. Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, from the committee on the State of the Order in New York, presented a report, which was read, and on motion of Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland, re-committed with instructions. Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland, offered the following, which was unanimously concurred in: Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to prepare and present to this Grand Lodge, resolutions expressive of the profound regret felt by this Grand Lodge for the death of P. G. M. George Keyser, late Grand Sire* of I. O. O. F., of the United States, and of the respect entertained for the memory of the deceased. The Grand Sire appointed as the committee, Rep's Ridgely, of Maryland; Hopkins, of Pennsylvania; Smith, of Virginia; Glazier, of Delaware; and Barnes, of Louisiana. Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, presented the following report, which was on motion of Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland, concurred in : To the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States: The undersigned, to whom a special deputation had been issued by the M. W. Grand Sire, to open a Special Encampment at the city of Trenton, state of New Jersey, for the purpose of conferring degrees on brothers of the Order there, respectfully reports: That by virtue of the authority, and in obedience to the direction given him, he called to his aid a number of the patriarchs of the city of Philadelphia, and with them proceeded to the city of Trenton, and opened a Special Encampment therereceived application for and conferred the Encampment, Patriarchal, Golden Rule and Royal Purple Degrees, upon eight deserving brothers, viz: Wm. C. Branin, Samuel C. Scattergood, Wm. R. McKean, Henry C. Boswell, Thomas Ashmore, Richard Campbell, John McCully and Richard Brandt-after conferring these degrees on the above named brothers, and giving to them all instructions in relation to the duties they would have to perform as patriarchs-and that the Grand Lodge of the United States would expect an application for a warrant to open an Encampment, the undersigned proceeded to close the Special Encampment opened by virtue of the authority conferred on him as above recited. All of which is respectfully submitted. HOWELL HOPKINS. Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, then presented a petition from patriarchs William C. Branin and others, named in his report, praying for an *George Keyser, late Grand Sire.-The demise of this distinguished brother occasioned deep and abiding sorrow throughout the fraternity. To whomsoever he was known, he was endeared by the recollection of an enure devotion to the principies of the Order; a capable and active mind, highly informed in all that related to its interests and welfare, and whose just conception of the duties of his office, rendered him a fit example for his successors. His death occurred on the 19th September, 1837, at the age of fifty-three years, Encampment of Patriarchs, to be located at Trenton, New Jersey, and hailed as "Trenton Encampment, No. 2." On motion, the petition was referred to the Committee on Petitions. On motion, the Grand Lodge adjourned until ten o'clock, to-morrow morning. TUESDAY, October 3d, 10 o'clock, A. M. The Grand Lodge met pursuant to adjournment: Present, the Officers and a due representation. The Grand Lodge was duly opened for the transaction of business. Rep. Sanderson, of Kentucky, from the Committee on Petitions, presented the following report. To the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States: The Committee on Petitions, to whom was referred the petition of a number of qualified patriarchs of the state of New Jersey, praying for a charter for an Encampment of Patriarchs, to be called "Trenton Encampment, No. 2," and to be located at Trenton, New Jersey, have examined the same and find it in proper form, and ask leave to report favorably. HENRY S. SANDERSON, Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners be granted, and that the Grand Secretary be directed to issue a charter upon payment of the usual charges. On motion, the report was accepted and the resolution adopted. P. G. JOHN MILLS, Rep. of District of Columbia, presented his certificate, which was referred to the committee on credentials. Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, from the committee on credentials, reported the certificate of Rep. Mills, of District of Columbia, as correct, which was accepted. Rep. Mills, of District of Columbia, appeared and took his seat. Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland, from the committee to whom was referred the resolution announcing the death of the late G. Sire Keyser, presented the following report, which was read and unanimously concurred in. To the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States: The committee, to whom the subject was referred, ask leave unanimously and respectfully to report for the adoption of the Grand Lodge, the following proceedings: Whereas, The R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States, has learnt with the most profound regret, that our well beloved brother, the M. W. P. G. M. George Keyser, late Grand Sire of the United States, has departed this life during the vacation of this body; and deeply deploring, in common with the entire fraternity which we represent, the great loss which this Order has sustained in this dispensation of Providence, as a testimonial of the respect which this body entertains for his distinguished services in aid of Odd Fellowship, and the regard which we feel for his private worth: Therefore, Resolved, That the Grand Lodge is profoundly sensible of the loss which the Order of Odd Fellows has sustained in the death of its late worthy Grand Sire, George Keyser, and sympathizes with the friends of the deceased, his fellow citizens at large, and the Order of Odd Fellows, for the bereavement which has thus befallen them. Resolved, As a testimony of the regard which this Grand Lodge entertains for the able efforts of our departed brother, in the advancement of the cause of Odd Fellowship, and in token of our esteem for his private worth, the Chair of the Grand Sire be hung in mourning during the Session. Resolved, That the Officers and Representatives of this Grand Lodge wear the usual badge of mourning during the Session. Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings, under the seal of the Grand Lodge, be subscribed by the committee and transmitted to the friends of the deceased. Resolved, That these proceedings be spread upon the journal. All of which is respectfully submitted. Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, moved that the Grand Lodge now proceed to the installation of Grand Officers, which was concurred in. Whereupon, the Grand Sire appointed Rep's Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, and Ridgely, of Maryland, to introduce the Grand Officers elect for that purpose, which was done in the following order: P. G. M. SAMUEL H. PERKINS, M. W. Grand Sire. R. W. D. Grand Sire. R. W. Grand Secretary. R. W. Grand Treasurer. The M. W. Grand Sire, on taking his seat made a few pertinent reremarks, complimentary to the Grand Lodge, which was received with sentiments of respect. The Grand Sire then made the following appointments, which were confirmed by the Grand Lodge; who were duly installed, viz: P. G. C. SATER T. WALKER, P. G. JOHN E. CHAMBERLAIN, W. G. Chaplain. W. G. Guardian. W. G. Messenger. The Grand Secretary presented various letters and documents received by him in his official capacity, during the recess of the Grand Lodge, which were, on motion, referred to the Committee of Correspondence. Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, moved that the committee on the State of the Order in New York, report this afternoon, which was determined in the negative. Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, moved that the Committee of Correspondence be required to answer all letters and communications, during the recess of the Grand Lodge, received by the Grand Secretary, which, after some debate had thereon, was withdrawn. Rep. Smith, of Virginia, moved that the Grand Secretary receive a fair compensation for his services. Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland, moved that the whole subject be referred to a select committee, which motion prevailed. The Grand Sire named as the committee, Rep's Ridgely, of Maryland; Smith of Virginia; and Hopkins, of Pennsylvania. Rep. Barnes, of Louisiana, read to the Grand Lodge a letter he had received from the Grand Master of his state, setting forth the desolation |